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Thu, 23 May 2019 08:38:00 -0400Aptuitiv Studioen-ushttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss720https://www.bigbluebug.com/blog/post/when-does-tick-season-begin-in-south-portland-me
https://www.bigbluebug.com/blog/post/when-does-tick-season-begin-in-south-portland-meSummer is just a few weeks away, and if you’ve lived here in South Portland long enough, you’re probably well aware of what pest problems are brought with the more tolerable summer temperatures. Tick season has already begun, but for many South Portland residents, their tick problems are just getting started. It is around this time of year that we want to ensure the protection of our family, pets, and homes by taking every possible precaution when we spend time outdoors.

Are Ticks Dangerous?

Tick season generally extends from early spring till late fall, however, some species of ticks are capable of surviving all the way through winter if the temperatures remain above freezing. This means that no matter what time of year it is, ticks can still prove to be a danger for many South Portland residents. Many ticks are carriers of several bacterial and viral diseases that can be passed on to both humans and animals. Some of these diseases include Lyme disease, granulocytic ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, hemolytic anemia, and many others. If you are bitten by a tick, it is important to carefully watch the bitten area for a few days and contact a medical professional if any signs of inflammation or other issues are detected.

How Do Ticks Get Inside?

Keeping yourself and your pets protected is a crucial step in making sure your home remains tick free. However, ticks can still get into your home even if you or your pet never bring a single one inside. Several types of other home-invading pests (such as mice, rats, or other small creatures) often bring ticks into our homes without our knowledge! For this reason, it is always your best solution to contact a professional pest control provider to ensure your home remains protected all year long.

How Professional Tick Control Can Help

Big Blue Bug Solutions has several comprehensive pest control plans and methods of pest removal to keep your South Portland property tick free year-round. Our professional pest control experts will inspect your home for any existing pest problems that may be contributing to your tick infestation, and then implement a treatment plan to deal with both pests. Contact the pest control experts here at Big Blue Bug Solutions today and find the home pest control solution that works for you!

]]>Summer is just a few weeks away, and if you’ve lived here in South Portland long enough, you’re probably well aware of what pest problems are brought with the more tolerable summer temperatures. Tick season has already begun, but for many South Portland residents, their tick problems are just getting started. It is around this time of year that we want to ensure the protection of our family, pets, and homes by taking every possible precaution when we spend time outdoors.

Are Ticks Dangerous?

Tick season generally extends from early spring till late fall, however, some species of ticks are capable of surviving all the way through winter if the temperatures remain above freezing. This means that no matter what time of year it is, ticks can still prove to be a danger for many South Portland residents. Many ticks are carriers of several bacterial and viral diseases that can be passed on to both humans and animals. Some of these diseases include Lyme disease, granulocytic ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, hemolytic anemia, and many others. If you are bitten by a tick, it is important to carefully watch the bitten area for a few days and contact a medical professional if any signs of inflammation or other issues are detected.

How Do Ticks Get Inside?

Keeping yourself and your pets protected is a crucial step in making sure your home remains tick free. However, ticks can still get into your home even if you or your pet never bring a single one inside. Several types of other home-invading pests (such as mice, rats, or other small creatures) often bring ticks into our homes without our knowledge! For this reason, it is always your best solution to contact a professional pest control provider to ensure your home remains protected all year long.

How Professional Tick Control Can Help

Big Blue Bug Solutions has several comprehensive pest control plans and methods of pest removal to keep your South Portland property tick free year-round. Our professional pest control experts will inspect your home for any existing pest problems that may be contributing to your tick infestation, and then implement a treatment plan to deal with both pests. Contact the pest control experts here at Big Blue Bug Solutions today and find the home pest control solution that works for you!

]]>Thu, 23 May 2019 08:38:00 -0400https://www.bigbluebug.com/blog/post/what-s-attracting-silverfish-to-my-new-england-home
https://www.bigbluebug.com/blog/post/what-s-attracting-silverfish-to-my-new-england-homeFinding any home-invading pest on your New England property can be alarming. With the stress of everyday life, no one needs the added stress of a pest infestation. Unfortunately, pests are a part of life whether we like it or not, and chances are we'll all have to deal with one at one point or another. Silverfish are a common insect found throughout the New England area and are classified as a nuisance pest. These small tear-shaped insects do not bite, scratch, or spread disease like many other home-invading pests, but silverfish can still cause some stressful problems if they infest your property.

What Problems Do Silverfish Cause?

Silverfish primarily cause problems in New England homes by feeding on materials and leaving unsightly holes in belongings. Silverfish are typically only active during the night, which can make it even more difficult to identify when you have a silverfish infestation. These tiny nocturnal insects become active once we are sound asleep to begin feeding on family photos, newspapers, clothing, wallpaper, and other starch-based materials. If silverfish have infested your home, it may also be an indicator of a serious moisture problem on your property, as silverfish depend on high humidity and moisture to survive.

Why Are Silverfish In My Home?

When silverfish invade, they are usually searching for two things: food and high humidity. Humidity provides both warmth and moisture, which are very important factors for silverfish to survive. If your home provides the perfect climate for a silverfish infestation as well as plenty of food, silverfish will not hesitate to invade. Many homeowners make the mistake of not repairing leaky fixtures as soon as possible, which can increase the likelihood that silverfish will become a problem in your home.

If silverfish have become an issue in your New England home, reach out to the certified pest experts here at Big Blue Bug Solutions to handle your pest problem efficiently. Silverfish are almost impossible to get rid of on your own, which is why our team of pest professionals has been trained to effectively inspect, identify, and treat homes for silverfish infestations. Don’t let silverfish overrun your property. Get professional help from Big Blue!

]]>Finding any home-invading pest on your New England property can be alarming. With the stress of everyday life, no one needs the added stress of a pest infestation. Unfortunately, pests are a part of life whether we like it or not, and chances are we'll all have to deal with one at one point or another. Silverfish are a common insect found throughout the New England area and are classified as a nuisance pest. These small tear-shaped insects do not bite, scratch, or spread disease like many other home-invading pests, but silverfish can still cause some stressful problems if they infest your property.

What Problems Do Silverfish Cause?

Silverfish primarily cause problems in New England homes by feeding on materials and leaving unsightly holes in belongings. Silverfish are typically only active during the night, which can make it even more difficult to identify when you have a silverfish infestation. These tiny nocturnal insects become active once we are sound asleep to begin feeding on family photos, newspapers, clothing, wallpaper, and other starch-based materials. If silverfish have infested your home, it may also be an indicator of a serious moisture problem on your property, as silverfish depend on high humidity and moisture to survive.

Why Are Silverfish In My Home?

When silverfish invade, they are usually searching for two things: food and high humidity. Humidity provides both warmth and moisture, which are very important factors for silverfish to survive. If your home provides the perfect climate for a silverfish infestation as well as plenty of food, silverfish will not hesitate to invade. Many homeowners make the mistake of not repairing leaky fixtures as soon as possible, which can increase the likelihood that silverfish will become a problem in your home.

If silverfish have become an issue in your New England home, reach out to the certified pest experts here at Big Blue Bug Solutions to handle your pest problem efficiently. Silverfish are almost impossible to get rid of on your own, which is why our team of pest professionals has been trained to effectively inspect, identify, and treat homes for silverfish infestations. Don’t let silverfish overrun your property. Get professional help from Big Blue!

]]>Tue, 21 May 2019 08:28:00 -0400https://www.bigbluebug.com/blog/post/how-to-tell-if-meadow-voles-have-invaded-your-new-england-property
https://www.bigbluebug.com/blog/post/how-to-tell-if-meadow-voles-have-invaded-your-new-england-propertyFor many homeowners, having a beautiful lawn is very important. After all, nothing is worse than having guests notice your hedges need to be trimmed and your grass could be shorter, right? Wrong. Unfortunately, there is something much worse for the appearance of your lawn than wilted flowers and overgrown hedges, and that something is vole damage.

What Does Vole Damage Look Like?

Tunneling

Voles are small rodents known for their mouse-like appearance and their tendency to tunnel through meadows, fields, and lawns. Voles are commonly mistaken for moles, as they both primarily damage lawns, and have similar sounding names. While voles may sometimes use tunnels that were dug by moles, the tunnels that voles actually dig are not raised like mole tunnels. Instead, these tunnels create ugly brown patches across your lawn where the grass has withered.

Chewing On Plants

Being a type of rodent, voles constantly chew to keep their teeth worn down. This means that trees and shrubs are often targeted, and if voles chew these plants enough, they will eventually die. Gardens are also common targets for voles looking for a tasty meal, but their damage can be hard to identify since they typically only eat the roots.

What is Attracting Voles to Your Property?

When it comes to voles on your property, it’s usually not because of anything you are doing wrong as a homeowner. More often, voles are simply attracted to properties that provide them with what they need to survive and live comfortably. Garden plants, fruit trees, and crops are major attractants for voles, as well as properties close to parks and golf courses. Voles prefer to infest properties that are wide open, giving them plenty of space to tunnel and forage for food. To keep voles away from your property, the most effective solution is reaching out to a professional pest control expert for the help you need.

How Big Blue Can Help

Here at Big Blue Bug Solutions, we pride ourselves on the fact that we provide excellent customer service and effective pest treatments for homeowners in need. No matter what pest problem you’re dealing with, the pest professionals here at Big Blue have the skills and tools needed to inspect, identify, and treat your property effectively. When voles are destroying your lawn, we will work with you to find a treatment solution that best fits your pest control needs. Contact us today for a free wildlife inspection, or to ask about our other pest control options!

]]>For many homeowners, having a beautiful lawn is very important. After all, nothing is worse than having guests notice your hedges need to be trimmed and your grass could be shorter, right? Wrong. Unfortunately, there is something much worse for the appearance of your lawn than wilted flowers and overgrown hedges, and that something is vole damage.

What Does Vole Damage Look Like?

Tunneling

Voles are small rodents known for their mouse-like appearance and their tendency to tunnel through meadows, fields, and lawns. Voles are commonly mistaken for moles, as they both primarily damage lawns, and have similar sounding names. While voles may sometimes use tunnels that were dug by moles, the tunnels that voles actually dig are not raised like mole tunnels. Instead, these tunnels create ugly brown patches across your lawn where the grass has withered.

Chewing On Plants

Being a type of rodent, voles constantly chew to keep their teeth worn down. This means that trees and shrubs are often targeted, and if voles chew these plants enough, they will eventually die. Gardens are also common targets for voles looking for a tasty meal, but their damage can be hard to identify since they typically only eat the roots.

What is Attracting Voles to Your Property?

When it comes to voles on your property, it’s usually not because of anything you are doing wrong as a homeowner. More often, voles are simply attracted to properties that provide them with what they need to survive and live comfortably. Garden plants, fruit trees, and crops are major attractants for voles, as well as properties close to parks and golf courses. Voles prefer to infest properties that are wide open, giving them plenty of space to tunnel and forage for food. To keep voles away from your property, the most effective solution is reaching out to a professional pest control expert for the help you need.

How Big Blue Can Help

Here at Big Blue Bug Solutions, we pride ourselves on the fact that we provide excellent customer service and effective pest treatments for homeowners in need. No matter what pest problem you’re dealing with, the pest professionals here at Big Blue have the skills and tools needed to inspect, identify, and treat your property effectively. When voles are destroying your lawn, we will work with you to find a treatment solution that best fits your pest control needs. Contact us today for a free wildlife inspection, or to ask about our other pest control options!

]]>Thu, 16 May 2019 08:01:00 -0400https://www.bigbluebug.com/blog/post/what-can-i-do-to-protect-my-providence-home-from-carpenter-ants-this-year
https://www.bigbluebug.com/blog/post/what-can-i-do-to-protect-my-providence-home-from-carpenter-ants-this-yearIf you’ve lived in the area long enough, there’s no doubt that you or someone you know has had the misfortune of a pest invasion at one point or another. With the spring weather we’ve been getting, it’s no surprise that many homeowners are dealing with all the pest pressures that the warmer temperatures encourage.

When Are Carpenter Ants Most Active?

Carpenter ants are wood-destroying insects that use our homes for shelter and raising their young. They make themselves comfortable in our homes and properties by tunneling through wood and creating a space to live. Unfortunately, they are capable of being a year-round problem, and that problem only gets worse as the weather continues to get warmer. The increase in heat warms the colony, encouraging them to become more active and begin producing reproductive members of the colony. These winged reproductive carpenter ants travel a short distance from the original colony to create their own colony nearby. Over time, your property is damaged as carpenter ants chew through the structural components of your home year after year.

Prevention Tips For Carpenter Ants

Now that the carpenter ant population is increasing with the warmer weather, it is extremely important to begin focusing on prevention steps you can take to keep carpenter ants away from your property.

Trim back branches and brush from the exterior walls of your home. For carpenter ants, branches and brush are bridges into your home.

Like all pests, carpenter ants must have a source of water to survive. Removing plants and items that collect water can discourage carpenter ants from staying on your property.

Make your property as dry as possible by reducing shade. If your property is too hot and dry, carpenter ants will look elsewhere to raise their new colony.

Avoid using mulch in your flower beds, as mulch is attractive to carpenter ants and other wood-destroying insects.

Call a professional pest control expert immediately if you spot signs of an existing carpenter ant infestation.

Professional Pest Control Is Your Best Bet

Preventative measures to exclude carpenter ants from your property are handy when it comes to keeping them from settling in your home, however, they rarely work if there is an existing infestation on your property. The only way to be 100% sure your home remains protected this year is by contacting a licensed pest control expert, like the ones here at Big Blue Bug Solutions, to handle your carpenter ant problem. Our team of highly trained pest specialists can equip you with one of our effective year-round pest control plans to keep your property free of pests all year long. Don’t wait until carpenter ants have already taken up residence in your home, reach out to Big Blue Bug Solutions today for the best pest control solutions available.

]]>If you’ve lived in the area long enough, there’s no doubt that you or someone you know has had the misfortune of a pest invasion at one point or another. With the spring weather we’ve been getting, it’s no surprise that many homeowners are dealing with all the pest pressures that the warmer temperatures encourage.

When Are Carpenter Ants Most Active?

Carpenter ants are wood-destroying insects that use our homes for shelter and raising their young. They make themselves comfortable in our homes and properties by tunneling through wood and creating a space to live. Unfortunately, they are capable of being a year-round problem, and that problem only gets worse as the weather continues to get warmer. The increase in heat warms the colony, encouraging them to become more active and begin producing reproductive members of the colony. These winged reproductive carpenter ants travel a short distance from the original colony to create their own colony nearby. Over time, your property is damaged as carpenter ants chew through the structural components of your home year after year.

Prevention Tips For Carpenter Ants

Now that the carpenter ant population is increasing with the warmer weather, it is extremely important to begin focusing on prevention steps you can take to keep carpenter ants away from your property.

Trim back branches and brush from the exterior walls of your home. For carpenter ants, branches and brush are bridges into your home.

Like all pests, carpenter ants must have a source of water to survive. Removing plants and items that collect water can discourage carpenter ants from staying on your property.

Make your property as dry as possible by reducing shade. If your property is too hot and dry, carpenter ants will look elsewhere to raise their new colony.

Avoid using mulch in your flower beds, as mulch is attractive to carpenter ants and other wood-destroying insects.

Call a professional pest control expert immediately if you spot signs of an existing carpenter ant infestation.

Professional Pest Control Is Your Best Bet

Preventative measures to exclude carpenter ants from your property are handy when it comes to keeping them from settling in your home, however, they rarely work if there is an existing infestation on your property. The only way to be 100% sure your home remains protected this year is by contacting a licensed pest control expert, like the ones here at Big Blue Bug Solutions, to handle your carpenter ant problem. Our team of highly trained pest specialists can equip you with one of our effective year-round pest control plans to keep your property free of pests all year long. Don’t wait until carpenter ants have already taken up residence in your home, reach out to Big Blue Bug Solutions today for the best pest control solutions available.

For many Worcester residents, cockroach infestations become a concern during summer when they begin rapidly reproducing and invading in larger numbers. The warm, sunny weather of summer and the humidity left behind from spring create the perfect environment for cockroaches to breed, reproduce, and thrive as a species. As more and more cockroaches become active and comfortable in the warmth of summer, they will begin seeking sources of food and damp shelter. This can lead them into your Worcester home, which can lead to filth, disease, and bacteria being brought in as well.

The Danger of Cockroaches

Aside from simply being a disgusting nuisance to see skittering about your home, cockroaches are capable of transmitting diseases to humans by contaminating counter surfaces and food sources with bacteria and pathogens brought in from outside or from filthy places inside such as drains or open trash cans. These bacteria are known to cause major health issues such as cholera, leprosy, Salmonella, and many other dangerous illnesses.

Cockroach Prevention

To protect yourself from cockroaches, it is important to keep your home secure and protected. Keeping filthy cockroaches off your Worcester property can be difficult, but there are a few steps you can take to help stop them from entering your home.

While summer does bring plenty of heat and humidity, cockroaches are always searching for moisture. Repairing leaky pipes, dripping faucets, and replacing water-damaged items can go a long way to reducing the moisture in your home that cockroaches depend on to survive.

Food is a huge attractant for cockroaches. Open trash cans, unswept floors, and cluttered counters all provide plenty of food for cockroaches to eat. By sealing your trash cans, sweeping up crumbs, and cleaning your counter surfaces, you remove one of the major reasons cockroaches end up inside.

Check the exterior of your home for gaps, crevices, and cracks that may be large enough for cockroaches to squeeze in through. Sealing these areas in your exterior walls and foundation means fewer entry points for cockroaches to invade.

If cockroaches have already invaded your Worcester home, your best course of action is to contact the professionals here at Big Blue Bug Solutions. Our highly trained pest professionals have the skills and equipment needed to get, and keep, cockroaches and other pests out of your home. Reach out to Big Blue today to get the home pest control services you deserve!

]]>

For many Worcester residents, cockroach infestations become a concern during summer when they begin rapidly reproducing and invading in larger numbers. The warm, sunny weather of summer and the humidity left behind from spring create the perfect environment for cockroaches to breed, reproduce, and thrive as a species. As more and more cockroaches become active and comfortable in the warmth of summer, they will begin seeking sources of food and damp shelter. This can lead them into your Worcester home, which can lead to filth, disease, and bacteria being brought in as well.

The Danger of Cockroaches

Aside from simply being a disgusting nuisance to see skittering about your home, cockroaches are capable of transmitting diseases to humans by contaminating counter surfaces and food sources with bacteria and pathogens brought in from outside or from filthy places inside such as drains or open trash cans. These bacteria are known to cause major health issues such as cholera, leprosy, Salmonella, and many other dangerous illnesses.

Cockroach Prevention

To protect yourself from cockroaches, it is important to keep your home secure and protected. Keeping filthy cockroaches off your Worcester property can be difficult, but there are a few steps you can take to help stop them from entering your home.

While summer does bring plenty of heat and humidity, cockroaches are always searching for moisture. Repairing leaky pipes, dripping faucets, and replacing water-damaged items can go a long way to reducing the moisture in your home that cockroaches depend on to survive.

Food is a huge attractant for cockroaches. Open trash cans, unswept floors, and cluttered counters all provide plenty of food for cockroaches to eat. By sealing your trash cans, sweeping up crumbs, and cleaning your counter surfaces, you remove one of the major reasons cockroaches end up inside.

Check the exterior of your home for gaps, crevices, and cracks that may be large enough for cockroaches to squeeze in through. Sealing these areas in your exterior walls and foundation means fewer entry points for cockroaches to invade.

If cockroaches have already invaded your Worcester home, your best course of action is to contact the professionals here at Big Blue Bug Solutions. Our highly trained pest professionals have the skills and equipment needed to get, and keep, cockroaches and other pests out of your home. Reach out to Big Blue today to get the home pest control services you deserve!

Summer arrives and with it comes flies. There is nothing worse than sitting down to dinner only to have flies descend on your family meal. Fortunately, you can take precautions and avoid the mistakes that attract flies to your Worcester kitchen. Flies aren’t just a nuisance, they are a health risk and you want to do all you can to keep your home free from these pests. Fly swatters, traps, and other DIY methods might seem like a good solution for ridding your home of flies, but professional pest control is the safer and more effective option.

Why Flies Become a Problem for Worcester Homes

Flies are just like any other pest, they want a good meal and a place to hang out. Your Worcester kitchen is probably the ideal location. Flies are tough to keep out unless you never open your doors. They can easily fly in through open doors or windows, squeeze in through cracks, or come in through drains. Flies are filthy critters, landing on feces, decaying waste, animals, and other contaminants and picking up bacteria and diseases on their bodies. Then they fly off and land on your counters, fruit bowl, or lunch and transfer that bacteria. You and your family can get sick from these organisms.

Prevention Steps and Mistakes to Avoid

Keeping your home clean and free from trash is a good way to keep the risk of flies down. If they don’t have a food source, they will move on. This includes wiping up spills quickly, storing fruits and other food in the fridge rather than on the counter, and taking out the trash regularly. It’s also a good idea to patch up any holes in screens and instruct your family to be sure to close doors quickly. Additionally, drains are one of the most overlooked areas of concern for attracting flies. The food debris and bacteria that grow in drains, as well as the moisture, creates the perfect home and breeding ground for flies. Clean your drains frequently to avoid build up.

Why Call for Professional Fly Service

At Big Blue Bug Solutions, we are experts at eliminating flies and other pests. We will do a free thorough inspection of your home and suggest ways to help exclude flies. We’ll help you choose from our different pest control plans to help keep your home free from flies. We use the least invasive and environmentally friendly options to treat and protect your Worcester home so that you can enjoy your kitchen this summer.

]]>

Summer arrives and with it comes flies. There is nothing worse than sitting down to dinner only to have flies descend on your family meal. Fortunately, you can take precautions and avoid the mistakes that attract flies to your Worcester kitchen. Flies aren’t just a nuisance, they are a health risk and you want to do all you can to keep your home free from these pests. Fly swatters, traps, and other DIY methods might seem like a good solution for ridding your home of flies, but professional pest control is the safer and more effective option.

Why Flies Become a Problem for Worcester Homes

Flies are just like any other pest, they want a good meal and a place to hang out. Your Worcester kitchen is probably the ideal location. Flies are tough to keep out unless you never open your doors. They can easily fly in through open doors or windows, squeeze in through cracks, or come in through drains. Flies are filthy critters, landing on feces, decaying waste, animals, and other contaminants and picking up bacteria and diseases on their bodies. Then they fly off and land on your counters, fruit bowl, or lunch and transfer that bacteria. You and your family can get sick from these organisms.

Prevention Steps and Mistakes to Avoid

Keeping your home clean and free from trash is a good way to keep the risk of flies down. If they don’t have a food source, they will move on. This includes wiping up spills quickly, storing fruits and other food in the fridge rather than on the counter, and taking out the trash regularly. It’s also a good idea to patch up any holes in screens and instruct your family to be sure to close doors quickly. Additionally, drains are one of the most overlooked areas of concern for attracting flies. The food debris and bacteria that grow in drains, as well as the moisture, creates the perfect home and breeding ground for flies. Clean your drains frequently to avoid build up.

Why Call for Professional Fly Service

At Big Blue Bug Solutions, we are experts at eliminating flies and other pests. We will do a free thorough inspection of your home and suggest ways to help exclude flies. We’ll help you choose from our different pest control plans to help keep your home free from flies. We use the least invasive and environmentally friendly options to treat and protect your Worcester home so that you can enjoy your kitchen this summer.

]]>Tue, 07 May 2019 08:05:00 -0400https://www.bigbluebug.com/blog/post/when-do-mosquitoes-become-a-problem-in-south-portland-maine
https://www.bigbluebug.com/blog/post/when-do-mosquitoes-become-a-problem-in-south-portland-maineMosquito season is on its way. Being Mainers, we know how quickly they can ruin our outdoor time, and this is the time of year when many of us begin spending more time outside. We can look forward to doing more hiking in the Maine outdoors, or simply enjoy losing the winter jacket and not needing to brush ice or snow off of the car each morning. The typical season for mosquitoes is June to October, but at Big Blue Bug we know that these pests don’t always follow a strict schedule. Now that spring has sprung, we should be prepared for their arrival, whenever that may be.

Early Prevention Tips

Even before mosquito season arrives, there are steps you should take to ensure that your summer is as mosquito-free as possible. As a result of all the melting snow from winter, we get excess moisture and water on our lawns. Lots of damp soil and standing water accumulate, and then we get to add spring showers to the mix. Spring in Maine is also known as mud season. If pools of water stick around for mosquito season, this creates a problem. One of the best early prevention tips we can offer is to eliminate standing water from your yard. Mosquitoes need water to breed. It actually doesn’t even need to be pools of water - mulch in the garden may be too damp or the lawn that never seems to drain could remain spongy.

If you have trouble eliminating standing water, consider putting in a french drain. You can find DIY tutorials online.

There are some plants that attract mosquitoes, while others are said to repel them. Perhaps a switch-up in your landscaping may be helpful.

Install screens in windows to ensure mosquitoes can’t get inside.

Mosquitoes are everywhere. They’re attracted to body heat and the carbon dioxide exhaled by humans. This means they’ll be around during backyard cookouts, camping trips, baseball games, and more. Read our Mosquito Prevention Tips for Maine Residents to get helpful tips for preventing mosquitoes around your home and to keep them away from your home.

Why Seek Professional Pest Control

While we can’t eliminate mosquitoes completely, it’s our goal to help you reduce their populations as much as possible. Maine may be colder than other states, but our summers still offer the heat and humidity these pests can thrive on. If you want to enjoy your time outside this year, consider our professional mosquito control. Our services have been shown to reduce mosquito populations by 90% all season! If you live in Southern Maine, contact Big Blue Bug Solutions to get started!

]]>Mosquito season is on its way. Being Mainers, we know how quickly they can ruin our outdoor time, and this is the time of year when many of us begin spending more time outside. We can look forward to doing more hiking in the Maine outdoors, or simply enjoy losing the winter jacket and not needing to brush ice or snow off of the car each morning. The typical season for mosquitoes is June to October, but at Big Blue Bug we know that these pests don’t always follow a strict schedule. Now that spring has sprung, we should be prepared for their arrival, whenever that may be.

Early Prevention Tips

Even before mosquito season arrives, there are steps you should take to ensure that your summer is as mosquito-free as possible. As a result of all the melting snow from winter, we get excess moisture and water on our lawns. Lots of damp soil and standing water accumulate, and then we get to add spring showers to the mix. Spring in Maine is also known as mud season. If pools of water stick around for mosquito season, this creates a problem. One of the best early prevention tips we can offer is to eliminate standing water from your yard. Mosquitoes need water to breed. It actually doesn’t even need to be pools of water - mulch in the garden may be too damp or the lawn that never seems to drain could remain spongy.

If you have trouble eliminating standing water, consider putting in a french drain. You can find DIY tutorials online.

There are some plants that attract mosquitoes, while others are said to repel them. Perhaps a switch-up in your landscaping may be helpful.

Install screens in windows to ensure mosquitoes can’t get inside.

Mosquitoes are everywhere. They’re attracted to body heat and the carbon dioxide exhaled by humans. This means they’ll be around during backyard cookouts, camping trips, baseball games, and more. Read our Mosquito Prevention Tips for Maine Residents to get helpful tips for preventing mosquitoes around your home and to keep them away from your home.

Why Seek Professional Pest Control

While we can’t eliminate mosquitoes completely, it’s our goal to help you reduce their populations as much as possible. Maine may be colder than other states, but our summers still offer the heat and humidity these pests can thrive on. If you want to enjoy your time outside this year, consider our professional mosquito control. Our services have been shown to reduce mosquito populations by 90% all season! If you live in Southern Maine, contact Big Blue Bug Solutions to get started!

]]>Tue, 30 Apr 2019 08:49:00 -0400https://www.bigbluebug.com/blog/post/how-flies-get-into-south-portland-homes
https://www.bigbluebug.com/blog/post/how-flies-get-into-south-portland-homesIf you’ve ever sat down to eat dinner only to have a fly repeatedly land on your plate, you understand how annoying house flies can be. They are not content to stay out of your way. Instead, they like to buzz around your head, land on your food, walk across your counters, and dash off the second you try to squish them.

While one fly is bad enough to have in your home, the problem quickly becomes worse when there are several. Even if you manage to successfully kill one, it seems like two more pop up in its place. Below we’ll discuss how house flies get into South Portland homes, and what can you do about them.

How Flies Get Into South Portland Homes

As you may expect, house flies can get into your home through any opening big enough to squeeze through. If you leave your windows open on warm days and some of your screens have holes, flies can get inside. If you leave the front door wide open while you bring groceries in, flies will come in. If there are cracks along your foundation walls, flies can sneak through. If there are gaps under or around your doors or windows, flies can walk in.

Even if only one or two flies get inside, that number can quickly multiply if they stay inside and breed. Believe it or not, fly eggs hatch less than 24 hours after being laid. From that point, it usually takes another five days for the larvae to become adult flies. With this information, it’s easy to see how a single fly in your South Portland home can soon become many flies in your house.

Why You Don’t Want Flies Getting into Your Home

You already know that they’re annoying, but did you know that house flies are also dangerous? They don’t bite, but they do spread an alarming number of diseases - over 30 have been recorded. Consider where flies spend much of their time: in garbage, on excrement, and in sink drains. While in these places, they pick up germs and pathogens that they then deposit on everything else they land on, including your food, countertops, and meal prep areas.

How to Prevent Flies From Getting into Your South Portland Home

To prevent flies from getting inside there are several things you can do:

Keep doors and windows closed unless you have screens with no holes or tears.

Repair damaged screens. They’re easier to replace than you’d expect.

Seal cracks in your foundation and any holes in your siding.

Fill gaps around windows and doors.

Keep outdoor garbage bins tightly covered.

Remove indoor garbage frequently.

Keep food stored in airtight containers or in the refrigerator.

Wipe down counters and clean dishes after each meal.

Keep your sink drains clean

How to Get Rid of Flies in Your Home

If flies have already gotten into your South Portland home, and you’re having trouble getting a handle on them, Big Blue Bug Solutions can help. We offer pest control solutions that will safely and effectively eliminate your house fly problem, making your home a pleasant place to be again. Give us a call to learn more.

]]>If you’ve ever sat down to eat dinner only to have a fly repeatedly land on your plate, you understand how annoying house flies can be. They are not content to stay out of your way. Instead, they like to buzz around your head, land on your food, walk across your counters, and dash off the second you try to squish them.

While one fly is bad enough to have in your home, the problem quickly becomes worse when there are several. Even if you manage to successfully kill one, it seems like two more pop up in its place. Below we’ll discuss how house flies get into South Portland homes, and what can you do about them.

How Flies Get Into South Portland Homes

As you may expect, house flies can get into your home through any opening big enough to squeeze through. If you leave your windows open on warm days and some of your screens have holes, flies can get inside. If you leave the front door wide open while you bring groceries in, flies will come in. If there are cracks along your foundation walls, flies can sneak through. If there are gaps under or around your doors or windows, flies can walk in.

Even if only one or two flies get inside, that number can quickly multiply if they stay inside and breed. Believe it or not, fly eggs hatch less than 24 hours after being laid. From that point, it usually takes another five days for the larvae to become adult flies. With this information, it’s easy to see how a single fly in your South Portland home can soon become many flies in your house.

Why You Don’t Want Flies Getting into Your Home

You already know that they’re annoying, but did you know that house flies are also dangerous? They don’t bite, but they do spread an alarming number of diseases - over 30 have been recorded. Consider where flies spend much of their time: in garbage, on excrement, and in sink drains. While in these places, they pick up germs and pathogens that they then deposit on everything else they land on, including your food, countertops, and meal prep areas.

How to Prevent Flies From Getting into Your South Portland Home

To prevent flies from getting inside there are several things you can do:

Keep doors and windows closed unless you have screens with no holes or tears.

Repair damaged screens. They’re easier to replace than you’d expect.

Seal cracks in your foundation and any holes in your siding.

Fill gaps around windows and doors.

Keep outdoor garbage bins tightly covered.

Remove indoor garbage frequently.

Keep food stored in airtight containers or in the refrigerator.

Wipe down counters and clean dishes after each meal.

Keep your sink drains clean

How to Get Rid of Flies in Your Home

If flies have already gotten into your South Portland home, and you’re having trouble getting a handle on them, Big Blue Bug Solutions can help. We offer pest control solutions that will safely and effectively eliminate your house fly problem, making your home a pleasant place to be again. Give us a call to learn more.

]]>Mon, 29 Apr 2019 08:00:00 -0400https://www.bigbluebug.com/blog/post/portland-homeowner-s-guide-to-summer-ants
https://www.bigbluebug.com/blog/post/portland-homeowner-s-guide-to-summer-antsOne nice thing about living in Maine is that we don’t have to deal with a lot of the pests that are found in other parts of the world. One pest we have in common with other areas though, is ants.

Five Common Portland Summer Ants

Many different types of ants exist, though, so it’s important to understand the ones we find in Maine.

You may find this Portland Homeowner’s Guide to Summer Ants helpful:

Odorous House Ants. These ants are small ants that range from brown to black in color. They are not dangerous, but they are a nuisance, as they can get into your home in large numbers and may contaminate your food supplies. Odorous house ants give off a foul odor, akin to rotten coconut, when squished.

Pharaoh Ants. These ants are amber in color with a darker abdomen. They are similar in size to odorous house ants. Unlike odorous house ants, pharaoh ants are considered dangerous. They can bite, but the bigger problem is in the diseases they spread. Pharaoh ants infest homes and businesses in huge numbers, building nests within wall voids, under floors, and in furniture.

Pavement Ants. These pests are slightly larger than pharaoh ants and range in color from brown to black. They can usually be found scurrying along outside and building ant hills along the edges of driveways or in cracks in pavement. Although they can bite, it’s rare for them to do so, and they are considered a nuisance pest.

Thief Ants. Thief ants are small and range in color from yellow to brown. They get their name from their behavior - building nests near other ant colonies in order to steal their food. Thief ants are considered dangerous due to their ability to transmit diseases and parasites.

Carpenter Ants. The biggest of the Portland ants, carpenter ants range from red to black in color. These ants are dangerous because they build their nests and tunnels within the wooden structures of your home, damaging its structural integrity over time.

How to Prevent All Types of Portland Ants

Inside, keep all food stored in containers with tightly-fitting lids, or in the refrigerator. Make sure all leaks and spills are cleaned up immediately. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink or on your counters. Wipe down your counters and sweep up crumbs frequently.

Outside, keep your garbage bins tightly closed. Clean up after picnics and barbecues. Don’t leave pet food out for extended periods of time. Check your home for cracks, gaps, and holes that ants could use to gain access to your house and repair or seal them.

How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Portland Home

If you notice ants inside your home, or you see excess numbers of them on your property, call Big Blue Bug Solutions. Eliminating an ant problem requires identification of the type of ant and determining the source of the infestation to ensure proper extermination methods are used. At Big Blue we have over 80 years of experience. Contact us to learn more about our ant control solutions.

]]>One nice thing about living in Maine is that we don’t have to deal with a lot of the pests that are found in other parts of the world. One pest we have in common with other areas though, is ants.

Five Common Portland Summer Ants

Many different types of ants exist, though, so it’s important to understand the ones we find in Maine.

You may find this Portland Homeowner’s Guide to Summer Ants helpful:

Odorous House Ants. These ants are small ants that range from brown to black in color. They are not dangerous, but they are a nuisance, as they can get into your home in large numbers and may contaminate your food supplies. Odorous house ants give off a foul odor, akin to rotten coconut, when squished.

Pharaoh Ants. These ants are amber in color with a darker abdomen. They are similar in size to odorous house ants. Unlike odorous house ants, pharaoh ants are considered dangerous. They can bite, but the bigger problem is in the diseases they spread. Pharaoh ants infest homes and businesses in huge numbers, building nests within wall voids, under floors, and in furniture.

Pavement Ants. These pests are slightly larger than pharaoh ants and range in color from brown to black. They can usually be found scurrying along outside and building ant hills along the edges of driveways or in cracks in pavement. Although they can bite, it’s rare for them to do so, and they are considered a nuisance pest.

Thief Ants. Thief ants are small and range in color from yellow to brown. They get their name from their behavior - building nests near other ant colonies in order to steal their food. Thief ants are considered dangerous due to their ability to transmit diseases and parasites.

Carpenter Ants. The biggest of the Portland ants, carpenter ants range from red to black in color. These ants are dangerous because they build their nests and tunnels within the wooden structures of your home, damaging its structural integrity over time.

How to Prevent All Types of Portland Ants

Inside, keep all food stored in containers with tightly-fitting lids, or in the refrigerator. Make sure all leaks and spills are cleaned up immediately. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink or on your counters. Wipe down your counters and sweep up crumbs frequently.

Outside, keep your garbage bins tightly closed. Clean up after picnics and barbecues. Don’t leave pet food out for extended periods of time. Check your home for cracks, gaps, and holes that ants could use to gain access to your house and repair or seal them.

How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Portland Home

If you notice ants inside your home, or you see excess numbers of them on your property, call Big Blue Bug Solutions. Eliminating an ant problem requires identification of the type of ant and determining the source of the infestation to ensure proper extermination methods are used. At Big Blue we have over 80 years of experience. Contact us to learn more about our ant control solutions.

]]>Thu, 25 Apr 2019 08:36:00 -0400https://www.bigbluebug.com/blog/post/how-big-blue-bug-protects-new-england-pets-against-lyme-disease
https://www.bigbluebug.com/blog/post/how-big-blue-bug-protects-new-england-pets-against-lyme-diseaseIn New England, we embrace all of our seasons, but there’s nothing like the warm weather and seeing the sun melt away the snow. We welcome summer and want to enjoy the warmth as much as possible. Big Blue Bug Solutions is here to help you do that.

Since warm weather means more pest threats for us and our pets, we’ve created pest control plans to help those in Southern Maine, Providence, throughout Rhode Island, in Worcester, and along with other areas of Massachusetts.

Lyme and Other Threats

Lyme may be the most talked about disease spread by ticks right now, but several diseases that are spread by ticks actually exist. Here in New England, we have different types of ticks that spread various diseases.

Listed below are some of the more common tick-borne dangers that you should be aware of:

Deer Tick (or Black-legged Tick)

Lyme disease is transmitted by deer ticks that have been infected. Lyme disease can leave a bullseye rash in humans, but this is not the case with dogs. In dogs, joint pain, lack of energy, lack of appetite, and fever may be present. Deer ticks can also spread Anaplasmosis, also known as “dog fever”. This disease may cause symptoms that include diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes seizures. A third disease spread by deer ticks is babesiosis, which can cause anemia, fever, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes.

American Dog Tick

These ticks are responsible for transmitting Tularemia, which can cause fever, lack of energy, dehydration, swollen lymph nodes, and white patches on tongue. They also are capable of transmitting Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which causes fever, joint pain, anemia, skin sores, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Lone Star Tick

The Lone Star tick can also transmit Tularemia and Ehrlichiosis, which causes fever, muscle pain, and confusion.

You can also keep your grass trimmed short and trim back vegetation. The less wooded area and wildlife on your property, the fewer ticks you’ll have.

Field mice are a common way for ticks to find their way on to New England properties. If you can keep rodents away, this will help.

Big Blue Bug Solutions can help protect New England pets through several techniques and control measures. Our pest control professionals will identify areas that harbor ticks. Our professionals will reduce breeding sites and help prevent ticks from coming onto your property. Big Blue’s tick control is here to help you and your pets stay safe. Give us a call!

]]>In New England, we embrace all of our seasons, but there’s nothing like the warm weather and seeing the sun melt away the snow. We welcome summer and want to enjoy the warmth as much as possible. Big Blue Bug Solutions is here to help you do that.

Since warm weather means more pest threats for us and our pets, we’ve created pest control plans to help those in Southern Maine, Providence, throughout Rhode Island, in Worcester, and along with other areas of Massachusetts.

Lyme and Other Threats

Lyme may be the most talked about disease spread by ticks right now, but several diseases that are spread by ticks actually exist. Here in New England, we have different types of ticks that spread various diseases.

Listed below are some of the more common tick-borne dangers that you should be aware of:

Deer Tick (or Black-legged Tick)

Lyme disease is transmitted by deer ticks that have been infected. Lyme disease can leave a bullseye rash in humans, but this is not the case with dogs. In dogs, joint pain, lack of energy, lack of appetite, and fever may be present. Deer ticks can also spread Anaplasmosis, also known as “dog fever”. This disease may cause symptoms that include diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes seizures. A third disease spread by deer ticks is babesiosis, which can cause anemia, fever, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes.

American Dog Tick

These ticks are responsible for transmitting Tularemia, which can cause fever, lack of energy, dehydration, swollen lymph nodes, and white patches on tongue. They also are capable of transmitting Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which causes fever, joint pain, anemia, skin sores, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Lone Star Tick

The Lone Star tick can also transmit Tularemia and Ehrlichiosis, which causes fever, muscle pain, and confusion.

You can also keep your grass trimmed short and trim back vegetation. The less wooded area and wildlife on your property, the fewer ticks you’ll have.

Field mice are a common way for ticks to find their way on to New England properties. If you can keep rodents away, this will help.

Big Blue Bug Solutions can help protect New England pets through several techniques and control measures. Our pest control professionals will identify areas that harbor ticks. Our professionals will reduce breeding sites and help prevent ticks from coming onto your property. Big Blue’s tick control is here to help you and your pets stay safe. Give us a call!